Maternity clothes: Wardrobe staples - in pictures

Comfortable, stylish maternity jeans are a staple, but also in my experience surprisingly tricky to find. One woman's comfy pair is another's corset, so if you find a pair you like, it might be worth buying a couple, particularly if you live in them every day. These are the most comfortable, flattering slim-cut jeans I've found

Baxter maternity jeans, £40
From Topshop.co.uk Photograph: PR

It's hard not to resent spending money on clothes with a built-in shelf life. Even if you tell yourself you will wear the maternity clothes afterwards, the reality is your pride may get in the way of admitting you still need the stretch. Blossom's approach is different - they make their own range of maternity clothes but also specialise in finding designer labels which will accommodate the pregnant figure - and also become wardrobe staples for years to come. This is part of their special collaboration with Clements Ribeiro - pricey, yes, but hey, you deserve a treat

Cardigan coat, £240
By Clements Ribeiro for Blossom Mother and Child Photograph: PR

Tunics are very very useful for maternity wear, especially ones like this that can be worn over leggings or skinny jeans, but also have enough length to be worn as dresses. While I generally avoid floral prints for maternity wear - it always seems to me to be taking the whole "blooming" thing a bit literally - I love the 70s vibe of this piece

Tunic, £69
From Boden.co.uk Photograph: PR

Another item from the Clements Ribeiro collection for Blossom Mother and Child, this is a great shape for during and after pregnancy - the cut means it won't stretch out of shape with your growing bump and the colour is neutral so can be livened up with colourful shoes, tights or accessories

Jersey dress, £115
Clements Ribeiro for Blossom Mother and Child Photograph: PR

Seraphine is another online brand (they do have two stores, but only in London) well worth checking out for stylish, well priced maternity wear - they do a fine range in jeans

Knitted empire line dress, £42
From Seraphine Photograph: PR

Maternity wrap tops can be baffling - you'd think it was hardly rocket science but often they seem to incorporate enough fabric to wrap a pregnant elephant. This elegant and simple wrap cardigan from Bumpalicious gets it just right, in a charcoal shade that will go with anything. A perfect addition for cooler nights or autumn pregnancies

Maternity wrap top, £59.99
Available end of September from bumpaliciousmaternity.co.uk Photograph: PR

Never will you wear so much jersey as when you are pregnant. A few comfortable, flattering tops are essential and this Mamas and Papas long length T-shirt hangs really well. The length is essential - roomy, non-maternity tops are all very well but get into your third trimester and suddenly they stop before the bump does. Not a good look

Stripey T-shirt, £28
From Mamas and Papas Photograph: PR

For when you just want some comfort, these trousers are unbeatable. The material is soft enough to wear in bed but the stretch holds perfectly so they never fall down. Cannot recommend highly enough

Roll top trousers, £35
From Melba London Photograph: PR

Expecting your first baby? Wear white: you'll probably never get to do it again. However, if the thought of wearing white without a tan horrifies you, then this simple, flattering jersey dress does also come in a dark charcoal grey

Dress, £72
From Blossom Mother and Child Photograph: PR

I have found dresses more comfortable later in pregnancy, but in autumn and winter that does leave you with the dilemma of finding decent maternity tights, which is surprisingly difficult. Most seem to instantly fall down or ladder on the first use. The best I've found are Mothercare's own brand

80 denier maternity tights, £12
From Mothercare Photograph: PR

Another simple wrap top with enough - but not too much - fabric to cover you through to your due date, and beyond.

Wrap top, £39.99
By Crave at bumpaliciousmaternity.co.uk Photograph: PR

This simple top from Boden (who do a great line in maternity wear) feels a bit more special because of the petal detailing at the neck. It's also made of a supersoft material which feels lovely on. I have high hopes for this one, post-pregnancy ...

Petal top, £49
From boden.co.uk Photograph: PR

And now a few for after ... While layers can provide all the cover you might need for breastfeeding discreetly, sometimes the occasion calls for something a bit more stylish. Peaks of London are a new company who specialise in luxury breastfeeding-friendly clothes: the stylish draping providing discreet access. It's also very flattering on the post-pregnant figure

Waterfall top, £145
By Peaks of London Photograph: PR

Another great place for stylish breastfeeding-friendly clothes is Babes with Babies. This dress or top (depending on how much you like displaying your pins) has a bit of embellishment at the shoulder to make you feel more glamorous. Babies tend not to do that

Breastfeeding top/dress, £89.95
Available end of September (or pre-order now)
By Mothers en Vogue at babeswithbabies.com Photograph: PR

For more everyday breastfeeding clothes, Frugi have a small range in organic cotton in bright shades and stripes. This floral print T-shirt is lovely and soft, and the cut and the tie-back are very flattering

Tieback T-shirt, £34
From welovefrugi.com Photograph: PR